A’s Sacramento Stop: What it Means for Las Vegas

The Oakland Athletics recently announced an interim move to Sacramento, California, for the 2025-2027 MLB seasons. While this news might raise questions for Las Vegas locals, it’s crucial to understand that this temporary relocation solidifies, rather than delays, the A’s ultimate destination: our very own Las Vegas.

The Road to Las Vegas: A Temporary Detour

After their final season in Oakland in 2024, the A’s will play at Sutter Health Park, home of the Sacramento River Cats (Giants’ Triple-A affiliate), for three seasons. This arrangement provides a temporary home while the team’s new state-of-the-art ballpark in Las Vegas is constructed. The Sacramento deal covers the gap perfectly, ensuring the A’s have a place to play before their permanent Las Vegas debut in 2028.

For Las Vegas, this means the plan is firmly on track. The Sacramento stop isn’t a pivot away from Southern Nevada; it’s a necessary step in the complex process of relocating a professional sports franchise and building a new home stadium from the ground up.

Las Vegas Ballpark: Construction and Community Impact

Stadium Progress at the Tropicana Site

The future home of the A’s will be a 33,000-seat stadium on the site of the current Tropicana Las Vegas casino, which is slated for demolition later this year. The project has cleared significant hurdles, including securing up to $380 million in public funding from Nevada, a key component in the estimated $1.5 billion project. Design work is progressing, aiming to create an iconic venue that reflects the energy and innovation of Las Vegas.

Economic and Tourism Boost

Bringing Major League Baseball to Las Vegas is expected to have a significant positive impact on our local economy. The construction phase alone will generate numerous jobs, and once operational, the ballpark will create permanent positions in hospitality, operations, and various support services. Beyond direct employment, the A’s are anticipated to draw additional tourists to the city, filling hotels, restaurants, and entertainment venues, particularly during the baseball season. This further cements Las Vegas’s reputation as a premier sports and entertainment destination.

What to Watch Next for Las Vegas

As the A’s prepare for their temporary stay in Sacramento, all eyes in Las Vegas will be on the progress of our future ballpark. Key milestones to anticipate include the official groundbreaking at the Tropicana site, the release of detailed architectural renderings, and updates on the construction timeline. Community engagement initiatives, potential partnership announcements, and early information regarding ticket sales or fan experience will also be important indicators of the growing excitement for MLB in our city.

Baseball’s Journey: Oakland to Las Vegas

Frequently Asked Questions for Las Vegas Locals

• Is the A’s move to Las Vegas still happening?
  Yes, absolutely. The temporary move to Sacramento for 2025-2027 is a logistical step to bridge the gap until the new Las Vegas ballpark is ready in 2028.
• When will the A’s play their first game in Las Vegas?
  The Oakland Athletics are expected to begin playing in their new Las Vegas ballpark starting with the 2028 Major League Baseball season.
• Where will the new ballpark be located?
  The new A’s stadium will be built on the current site of the Tropicana Las Vegas, located on the Las Vegas Strip.
• Will Las Vegas taxpayers fund the entire stadium?
  No. The state of Nevada has approved up to $380 million in public funding for the project, with the remaining costs of the estimated $1.5 billion stadium to be covered by the team and private financing.

The A’s journey to Las Vegas is a multi-year endeavor, and the Sacramento interim plan is a clear signal that the ultimate destination remains our vibrant city. Las Vegas can confidently look forward to welcoming Major League Baseball in 2028, and the ongoing progress on the new ballpark will be exciting news to follow.

As Sacramento Stop Solidifies Las Vegas Plan